Complete Summary Notes Class 5 EVS Chapter 1 Water The Essence of Life
Chapter 1: Water — The Essence of Life
(NCERT Class 5 EVS Book complete summary and Possible Questions cover in the Chapter Water — The Essence of Life)
1. Why Water is Important
- Water is essential for all living beings—humans, animals, and plants.
- Every activity of life — drinking, cooking, cleaning, washing, bathing, farming, and industries — needs water.
- Without water, life cannot exist on Earth.
- That’s why it is rightly called the “Essence of Life.”
2. Where Do We Find Water on Earth
- Around three-fourths of Earth is covered with water.
- However, most of it is salty (in seas and oceans) and not fit for drinking.
- Fresh water is found in:
- Rivers and lakes
- Ponds
- Groundwater (wells, borewells, handpumps)
- Glaciers and ice caps
- Out of all the water on Earth, only about 3% is fresh water.
- So we must use it carefully and avoid wastage.
3. Forms of Water
Water exists in three main forms:
| Form | State | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Solid | Ice, snow | Found on mountains or in refrigerators |
| Liquid | Water | Rivers, lakes, ponds, rain |
| Gas | Water vapour | Clouds, steam |
- These forms change from one to another with temperature changes:
- Ice → melts → Water
- Water → evaporates → Vapour
- Vapour → cools → Condenses → Water drops
4. The Water Cycle
Definition:
The continuous movement of water around the Earth through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation is called the Water Cycle.
Steps:
- Evaporation – The Sun heats water in oceans, rivers, and ponds. Water turns into vapour and rises.
- Condensation – Vapour cools high in the sky and forms clouds.
- Precipitation – When clouds become heavy, water falls as rain, snow, or hail.
- Collection – Rainwater collects in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Some seeps underground to become groundwater.
This cycle repeats again and again.
It helps maintain the amount of water on Earth.
5. Surface Water and Groundwater
Surface Water
- Found on the surface of the Earth.
- Examples: Rivers, ponds, lakes, seas.
- Used for drinking, farming, industry, and transport.
Groundwater
- When it rains, some water seeps into the soil and collects below the ground.
- This is called groundwater.
- It is taken out using wells, handpumps, or borewells.
- If we waste water, the groundwater level goes down.
6. River and Its Journey
- Rivers usually start from mountains or hills where melted snow or rainwater collects.
- They flow downwards following the slope of the land.
- As they flow, rivers erode soil and carry it along.
- When they reach plains, the flow slows down and deposits soil, making the land fertile.
- Rivers finally join the sea or ocean.
Fun Fact:
Rivers form lakes, waterfalls, and deltas during their journey.
7. Life in Water
Water bodies are home to many living beings.
Aquatic Plants
- Some float on water (lotus, water hyacinth).
- Some grow under water (hydrilla).
- Some stay partly in and partly out (reed, cattail).
Aquatic Animals
- Fish, frogs, crabs, turtles, and water birds live in or near water.
- These organisms are part of a food chain in the water ecosystem.
8. Uses of Water
Water is used for:
- Drinking and cooking
- Bathing and washing clothes
- Growing crops and gardening
- Generating electricity (hydropower)
- Industrial uses
- Transportation (boats, ships)
9. Problems Related to Water
- Many rivers and ponds are getting polluted due to dumping of garbage and chemicals.
- Wastage of water in households and factories increases scarcity.
- Deforestation and cemented surfaces stop rainwater from going underground, lowering groundwater levels.
- Some places face floods, others droughts.
10. Conservation of Water
We must save and protect our water resources.
Ways to Save Water
- Turn off taps properly.
- Use a bucket instead of a shower.
- Reuse leftover water for plants.
- Harvest rainwater — collect and store it.
- Avoid pollution — do not throw waste into water.
- Plant trees to help water seep into the ground.
Remember:
“Every Drop Counts!”
Key Terms
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Evaporation | Process of water changing into vapour |
| Condensation | Vapour turning back into water drops |
| Precipitation | Rain, snow, or hail falling from clouds |
| Groundwater | Water stored under the ground |
| Water cycle | Continuous movement of water around Earth |
Short Question Answers
Q1. Why is water called the essence of life?
Answer: Because all living things need water to survive and carry out daily activities.
Q2. What are the three forms of water?
Answer: Solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (vapour).
Q3. What is the water cycle?
Answer: The continuous process of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation of water on Earth.
Q4. What is groundwater?
Answer: Water stored under the Earth’s surface that we get from wells or handpumps.
Q5. Name two ways to save water.
Answer: Turn off taps properly and harvest rainwater.
Class 5 EVS – Chapter 1: Water: The Essence of Life
NCERT Solutions
Q1. Why is water called the essence of life?
Answer: Water is essential for all living beings — humans, animals, and plants. All activities of life such as drinking, cooking, washing, cleaning, and farming require water. Without water, life cannot exist on Earth. That’s why water is called the “essence of life.”
Q2. List the main sources of water.
Answer:
- Rivers
- Lakes
- Ponds
- Wells and handpumps
- Rainwater
- Glaciers and ice caps
Q3. What are the three forms of water? Give examples.
Answer: Water exists in three forms:
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| Solid | Ice, snow |
| Liquid | River, pond, rainwater |
| Gas (vapor) | Steam, clouds |
Water changes from one form to another through melting, evaporation, and condensation.
Q4. What is the water cycle?
Answer: The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on Earth through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Steps of the water cycle:
- Evaporation – Sun heats water in rivers, lakes, and oceans, turning it into vapor.
- Condensation – Vapour cools in the air to form clouds.
- Precipitation – Clouds release water as rain, snow, or hail.
- Collection – Rainwater collects in rivers, ponds, lakes, and oceans.
This cycle repeats continuously, maintaining the balance of water on Earth.
Q5. What is groundwater? How is it useful?
Answer:
Some rainwater seeps into the ground and collects in spaces in soil and rocks. This water stored under the ground is called groundwater.
Uses of groundwater:
- Drinking
- Irrigation for crops
- Industrial use through wells, handpumps, and borewells
Q6. How do rivers make land fertile?
Answer:
Rivers carry soil and sand from mountains as they flow. When rivers reach plains, the soil and sand settle, making the land rich and fertile. This helps in growing crops.
Q7. Name some aquatic plants and animals.
Answer:
Aquatic Plants:
- Lotus
- Water hyacinth
- Hydrilla
- Reeds and cattails
Aquatic Animals:
- Fish
- Frogs
- Turtles
- Crabs
- Water birds
Q8. List some uses of water.
Answer:
- Drinking and cooking
- Bathing and washing
- Growing crops and gardening
- Generating electricity (hydropower)
- Industrial purposes
- Transportation by boats and ships
Q9. What are the problems related to water?
Answer:
- Water pollution – rivers, lakes, and ponds are polluted due to garbage and chemicals.
- Wastage of water in households, industries, and farms.
- Deforestation and cemented surfaces stop rainwater from reaching the ground, lowering groundwater.
- Floods in some areas and droughts in others.
Q10. How can we conserve water?
Answer:
- Turn off taps properly and fix leaks.
- Use buckets instead of showers.
- Reuse leftover water for plants or cleaning.
- Collect and store rainwater (rainwater harvesting).
- Avoid dumping garbage into water bodies.
- Plant trees to help recharge groundwater.
Slogan: “Every Drop Counts!”
Q11. Explain why water is important for plants and animals.
Answer:
- Plants need water for photosynthesis and growth.
- Animals need water to drink, stay hydrated, and survive.
- Aquatic animals depend on water for their habitat and life.
Q12. What will happen if water is not conserved?
Answer:
- Rivers and ponds may dry up.
- Crops will not grow, leading to food shortage.
- Animals and humans will face water scarcity.
- Life on Earth will be adversely affected.
This NCERT Solution covers all important questions of Chapter 1 in a simple, easy-to-understand manner for Class 5 students.
Other Important Notes Related to This Chapter
Summary Notes Chapter 1: Water — The Essence of Life
NCERT Question Answer Solution Class 5 EVS Chapter 1 – Water The Essence of Life
Extra Questions Chapter 1 – Water The Essence of Life Class 5 EVS
Practice Worksheet Chapter 1: Water — The Essence of LifeClass 5 EVS